Workers walk past Burj Dubai, the world's tallest man-made structure. The building, which will reach a final height of 900m when finished, is being developed by the real estate giant Emaar Properties. The opening is expected to take place in January 2010

Emiratis check details of The World development – an artificial archipelago that will consist of 300 small islands built offshore in the shape of a map of the world – at the Arabian travel market in Dubai

After decades of unprecedented growth, Dubai's overheated economy is reaching its melting point. Dubai World, the state-owned real-estate and ports giant that has driven much of the economic expansion in the city-state in recent years, has asked for a moratorium on its debt. The government's announcement came after the local stock market had shut and on the eve of the Eid holidays. Many international celebrities and sportsmen have properties in the most populated city of the United Arab Emirates